Rick Guerrero interviews mortgage chief Gavin Ekstrom about hiring, tradition and constructing a workforce on a agency basis.
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Lately on “Real Estate Rockstars with Rick,” I had an unbelievable dialog with Gavin Ekstrom, senior vp at CrossCountry Mortgage. Ekstrom is a real powerhouse within the mortgage trade, managing over 27 branches and main a area that hit over $3 billion in manufacturing.
His observe document, management and talent to scale groups make him somebody value listening to if you wish to develop your corporation.
Ekstrom’s achievements are nothing wanting spectacular. He’s constructed a large, high-performing workforce by specializing in core values, growing folks and fostering a robust workforce tradition.
His journey hasn’t been straightforward, however he’s navigated each private {and professional} challenges, together with his daughter’s battle with leukemia, with resilience and dedication. His capacity to steer by instance and encourage his workforce makes him somebody anybody in actual property or mortgage ought to take note of.
What units Ekstrom aside is his perception in folks. He is aware of {that a} chief’s true success comes from build up these round them, which is why his management model is all about impression. He’s not nearly hitting numbers — he’s about serving to others attain their full potential.
Key takeaways that will help you develop
Listed here are a couple of takeaways from my dialog with Gavin that may enable you degree up your corporation:
1. Rent based mostly on core values
Ekstrom’s success comes from hiring individuals who align along with his workforce’s core values. His workforce makes use of an “avatar” for hiring, guaranteeing each new rent suits into the tradition and imaginative and prescient. This technique ensures that everybody is working towards the identical purpose.
Takeaway: Outline your core values and ensure each rent aligns with them.
2. Embrace trendy methods
Ekstrom has tailored to the altering market through the use of social media, in-person occasions and Zoom to remain related. He’s not simply promoting mortgage merchandise; he’s constructing relationships and creating experiences that add worth to his shoppers.
Takeaway: Embrace new instruments and methods to succeed in your shoppers and supply extra worth.
3. Encompass your self with the proper folks
Ekstrom believes that the folks round you outline your success. He emphasizes the significance of shedding relationships that not serve you and surrounding your self with individuals who push you to develop.
Takeaway: Frequently assess your community, and ensure it’s crammed with individuals who problem and encourage you.
The underside line
Ekstrom’s story is a testomony to the facility of management, resilience and intentional development. He’s proof you could keep true to your values and nonetheless obtain large success. His capacity to scale groups, overcome challenges and keep targeted on the large image is what units him aside as a pacesetter.
Whether or not you’re in actual property, mortgage or one other enterprise, Ekstrom’s insights provide sensible recommendation that will help you develop. From refining your hiring course of to embracing new market methods and surrounding your self with the proper folks, his classes are actionable and may make an actual distinction in your corporation.
Rick Guerrero is the Director of Department Gross sales and Strategic Partnerships at US Mortgage Corp. You possibly can observe him on Fb or join with him on LinkedIn.
